Our client is a large city in Michigan that has received numerous recognitions for being one of the best cities to live in, along with a series of other #1 national rankings. The City requires a Water System Manager to lead their Water System. The position includes advanced professional, managerial and leadership in the planning, organizing, implementing and directing of programs and activities regarding the water system including water purification, pumping and distribution, lead service line reductions, distribution system maintenance and related utility functions.
The purpose of this job is to oversee the various divisions responsible for long-range planning, operations, capital and operating budgets for the utility. Responds to media inquiries regarding the Water Utility. Provides leadership and oversight dedicated to providing safe, high quality drinking water. Ensures that overall operations effectively manage water infrastructure assets. Work is performed under the executive direction of a senior executive staff member. Supervision is exercised directly or indirectly over all employees in department composed of 127 personnel.
Specific responsibilities for this position include:
- Ensures system operations and water quality comply with state and federal guidelines, operating permits, and standards. Directs and evaluates operation of the water distribution system, including water filtration plant, water pumping operations, water mains, metering devices and billing.
- Determines priorities; develops short- and long-range plans to meet future water demand needs; analyzes and evaluates methods of operation and procedures to be followed.
- Coordinates with team members such as a Deputy City Manager, Assistant City Manager, Managing Director, City Engineer, and Public Works Director on policy, capital improvement and fiscal matters.
- Directs development and implementation of safety programs.
- Responds to customer water complaints and directs investigation of complaint sources.
- Reviews work force needs, recommends staffing levels, evaluates performance of supervisors, and reviews evaluations of all employees.
- Directs and supervises work on major projects to ensure specifications and project timeliness are met.
- Develops emergency response plans for critical operations and directs emergency repair operations through subordinate supervisors or obtains and supervises consultant/contractor services.
- Prepares work program and monitors accomplishments; determines specifications on new equipment and supplies; monitors purchasing practices within department.
- Supervises and prepares reports related to water systems operations and billing.
- Confers with local governmental agencies and governmental regulatory agencies regarding water distribution and water system expansion.
- Coordinates activities with contractors; confers with state, local, and federal government officials; confers with business and civic leaders, addresses concerns, and gives speeches before groups and professional organizations; explains department activities to the media.
- Establishes and maintains good working relationships with community groups and agencies and the media.
- Participates on various city and community committees, task forces, and the like.
- Works closely with members of the Utility Advisory Board.
- Determines priorities; develops short and long-range plans to meet future water distribution and filtration needs; analyzes and evaluates methods of operation and procedures to be followed.
- Directs purchases of department supplies, equipment, and services; administers and executes contracts as needed or assigned.
Minimum training and experience for this position includes:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Science, Engineering or a related field
- At least five (5) to seven (7) years of experience in water treatment operation and maintenance, public administration, utilities or environmental management, including supervisory or management experience
- Licensure as a Professional Engineer is encouraged, but not required.
- Any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities
- Required Licenses or Certifications – S-1 Water Distribution Operator’s License as issued by Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy or the ability to obtain licensure within one year.
Additional qualifications for this position include knowledge of:
- Safe Drinking Water Act Regulations
- City Water Ordinance, Water System Rules & Regulations
- City Department functions and priorities
- Asset Management and Planning (Capital budgeting)
- Business practices and policies
- Water system design, construction and maintenance
- Safety standards and precautions pertaining to the use and operation of heavy equipment
- Labor rules
- Financial management principles and practices
- Cost impact of decisions
- Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment
Additional skills and abilities for this position include but are not limited to:
- Interpersonal skills necessary to develop and maintain effective and appropriate working relationships
- Performing a variety of duties, often changing from one task to another of a different nature
- Performing basic mathematical functions such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, percentages, and ratios
- Assigning, prioritizing, monitoring, and reviewing work assignments
- Critical thinking and decision making
- Project management
- Delegation and oversight
- Problem solving and conflict resolution
- Data review and interpretation
- Collaboration and listening
- Meet schedules and deadlines of the work
- Understand and carry out oral and written directions
- Accurately organize and maintain paper documents and electronic files
- Maintain the confidentiality of information and professional boundaries
- Communicate vision for desired Water Utility operational outcomes
- Lead a team of multi-skilled managers
- Administer large-scale public works activities
- Direct, supervise and evaluate the work of employees involved in water plant and system construction, maintenance and operation
- Communicate effectively both orally and in writing
- Detect and resolve operational problems
- Maintain records and develop reports related to plant and division operations
The salary for this position is $104-133K and an excellent benefits package.
Interested candidates should forward a resume (MS Word attachment preferred) plus a brief email describing your relevant experience and reasons for your interest to: Christl@jsmithassoc.com. Or, you may call (519) 270-3780 for more information. All inquiries will be held in strict confidence.
JEFF SMITH & ASSOCIATES is a technical recruiting firm that specializes in the placement of exceptional candidates in the Water and Wastewater Treatment industries. To view other opportunities on which we are currently working, go to our website at: www.jsmithassoc.com
